Lebanon's prime minister paves way for elections

Lebanon's new prime minister paves way for elections

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, April 16, 2005

BEIRUT, LEBANON - Lebanon's president on Friday named moderate pro-Syrian lawmaker Najib Mikati as prime minister, breaking a political deadlock and reviving chances for holding parliamentary elections next month.

The elections are crucial for the opposition, which backed the Harvard-educated millionaire businessman in an effort to end the impasse in forming a government and open the way for the balloting that many believe will end Damascus' hold on parliament. The United States has increasingly pressured Lebanon to hold the vote.

Mikati's appointment came two days after Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami quit after weeks of failed efforts at forming a government.

Mikati, 49, has recently distanced himself from the pro-Syrian camp. He boycotted Karami's ill-fated consultations to form a Cabinet last month in parliament. Instead, he prayed at the nearby grave of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, whose Feb. 14 assassination was the catalyst for protests demanding that Syria withdraw.